Setting a daily human 'being' intention as you attend to the things you do.

During my webinar conversation with Caitriona Wortley last week, we spoke of the heightened need to prioritise connection rather than task in our conversations with clients during this period of change and uncertainty. I also shared the 48-second breathing and visualisation practice shown in their video post to help calm the stress-based neural activity that many of us would be experiencing during these most uncertain of times, so that our brains can function optimally and we can maintain a sense of connection with ourselves and others.

Despite this awareness and practice, I found myself slipping into my old habit of approaching everything as a task this week. Exercise and play with my son, my work commitments, and conversations with friends all became a task that should or needed to be done, and the quality of my presence during and between each of these activities dipped. I was operating as a ‘human doing’ more than a ‘human being’.

What I realised during an early morning conversation with some wise people today is how much I benefit from setting an intention of how I want to “be” as I approach all the things that I want, or need, to “do”. The theme of my intention usually changes from day to day, but from past experience, I know that it will anchor me and help me to be consciously present and therefore experience more connection and joy – and often productivity and effectiveness - throughout the day.

My previous daily ‘being’ intentions have included being calm and clear, gracious and grateful, vibrant and focused, or kind and receptive. Today, thanks to the shared wisdom during that morning conversation, my intention is to approach every part of my day with softness and reverence.

If this concept resonates with you, I would love to hear what your intention for your day or weekend might be.

My best, Naomi